Davrag Joris and his soldiers stopped to rest by the edge of the
forests, Davrag being the only one not to voice his relief at being allowed
to rest after their flight from the Academy.
"Fine," He growled at his soldiers, maintaining an air of command and gruff anger that would befit an Academy master, "We'll rest here for a bit. How fares Terrlin?"
Yarel, the rat who Davrag had adopted as his second in command strode forward. Taller then Davrag by over a head and built like a badger, Yarel's thick fur was braided to keep out of his way during fighting and to Davrag's knowledge and estimation, the large rat's chainmail must have weighed thirty pounds but Yarel removed it only to sleep and only when he felt he was perfectly secure.
Their flight had lasted several days with little rest and little time to eat or drink whatsoever and Davrag's soldier's accepted the rest gratefully. Davrag himself sat at the edge of the forest, removing a canteen from their supplies and taking a drink to wet his parched mouth and throat as Yarel strode up to him. Davrag found himself honestly liking the rat. He was capable, if not exemplary as a lieutenant and knew his place quite well.
"Both of 'is legs are broken, sir." Yarel replied with a ghost of a smirk, not a single one of the Academy soldiers were extremely fond of Vandashira's pet ferret and Yarel was no exception, "He fell down the hill we passed. We were all for leaving him but his cronies wanted to take him along."
An agonized howl split the night and Davrag flinched, "I take it that's the idiot?"
Yarel nodded, "Aye, sir. He's been on like that for some time now. Doesn't seem tow ant to shut up."
As if on cue, another scream of anguish pierced the night. Davrag flinched once more. "If those Academy traitors are looking for us, they'll hear us a mile away!" The stoat took a large bite out of a piece of dried fruit, chewing slowly and methodically, "I'll go ahead and see if there's anything in the forest, Yarel."
Yarel frowned slightly, thinking hard to Davrag's pleasure. Yarel's mind was much quicker then his large, brutish figure implied and Davrag had absolutely no intention of abandoning or eliminating the capable rat even when the job was over. He and his Academy soldiers would make valuable assets to the Five.
"Alone, sir," Yarel replied, "Don't you want an escort to go with you?"
Davrag shook his head, his amber eyes glinting, "No, Yarel. I'd move faster alone and be able to cover more ground. Besides, it's my responsibility to take care of this mess. You're in command until I get back, Yarel."
Yarel grinned, "That's why you're the general, sir. What about Terrlin though?"
An expression of distaste crossed Davrag's features, "He can't walk...he'd only slow us down if he did. Cover his mouth."
Yarel frowned, not liking the idea of murder. Davrag growled and drew his sword. "Do it."
Yarel walked over to the wounded ferret and shooed away the beasts nearby. Terrlin's eyes widened as he saw the large rat and his howls were muffled as Yarel pressed a paw over his mouth. He managed to bite as Davrag's sword pierced his heart.
His deed done, Davrag rose, "Bury him." The stoat replied, "Take nothing from any others who may oppose you. You're in charge while I'm gone, Yarel." He cleaned his sword and sheathed it.
Yarel nodded again, saluting as he placed a paw on the hilt of his claymore.
Davrag gave his lieutenant a fond smile and rose, "Make sure the soldiers get sleep and rest, but post a watch....I'll be back soon."
He removed his black cloak and turned and moved into the forest swiftly, moving swiftly as possible through the trees like the best of squirrels, his face set firmly in concentration. He was searching for one thing: a place of woodlanders his soldiers could raid for both sport and supplies. An occupational hazard of leading soldiers and killers was one had to provide them with entertainment and excitement or they would be pressed to the point of mutiny. After years of watching the leadership of CT, Davrag knew this to be true, even more so after his leadership of the Five. Hallic had to be provided with entertainment almost daily lest he gain any ideas-using the term loosely, of course-concerning his trident and his rival.
Davrag sprang down from the trees, quite a few hours away from his soldiers, he noted as he landed in a crouch at the edge of the forest, grinning suddenly.
A village...He had actually found a village! Lady Luck was with him this day, he thought excitedly as he instinctively reached to pull his cloak around his concealed twin swords and swore as he realized he had left his cloak back with Yarel and the others. Simple poor luck.
Davrag smirked again as he recalled Jald Nightson, feeling no remorse over his actions back at the Academy. Jald was most certainly dead at this time and it would be Davrag who claimed the credit there!
Making his way around the village perimeter, Davrag tried to get a hint of the place's defenses and layout as he had done with the Academy. This place was no Academy and was pitifully undefended. Well, that would just make the 'entertainment' part easier for his troops.
Davrag turned to the village entrance and found himself staring into the eyes of a mouse.
The mouse was obviously a guard by his armor and weapon, Davrag noted as the mouse seized his arm and hurled him to the ground, catching the black stoat off guard, "Seems there's some justice after all, Mikel! I found one of the scum that's been raidin' us!"
Great, there was more then one of them and by the nocking of an arrow, Davrag knew to make a false move was to die. He had never tested his speed against an arrow and he didn't care to make this his test.
"Wait! You're making a mistake!" The stoat gasped suddenly, the mouse with the halberd's eyes narrowed and Davrag could see he was young, very young for a fighter.
"And why is that?" He hissed angrily as the other mouse, an older one obviously pulled his arrow back.
"Kill him, Yardo! We can at least finish off one of those butchers before the others come back!" He took a step forward, sighting Davrag as he did so.
"At least let's listen to this killer's fantasies, Mikel!" The one named Yardo replies, his halberd point at Davrag's neck, the stoat having acquiesced submission to his captors.
"No fantasy!" Davrag replied, his fertile mind working quickly, "I'm alone, a runaway from the Academy by Meridian! It was under my command that High Master Tarl Argith died and I killed the head guard there too! Surely you'll hear of that eventually!"
This gave them pause, Davrag breathed a prayer to Vulpuz under his breath, which was dispelled as Mikel growled, "Maybe you wanted Argith's position, stoat! I understand assassination is the way to advance your career in the Academy!"
Davrag swallowed again, looking into the faces of both his captors, more concerned with his own hide then hating them.
"Wait, Mikel," Yardo replied, slowly removing his halberd, "What he said may have some ring of truth...some of our villagers noticed a contingent of soldiers a few days back. It's possible they may be looking for this one."
Davrag was hard pressed to keep a large grin off his face as a spark of hope found its way into his heart, "That must be it!" He replied fervently, "I'm as innocent as either of you!"
Mikel looked to his companion, "You think it's possible he is telling the truth, Yardo?"
Yardon looked to Davrag and to his fellow guard and nodded, "Academy soldiers don't practice much subtlety, Mikel. If he was one of them planning to attack, he'd have been on us."
"He could be one of the other band..."
"They don't wear Academy tunics."
Mikel nodded, the older mouse looking at Davrag slowly. The stoat sealed the mouse's growing doubts to his guilt, "I want the blood of the Academy or any bandit as badly as you, mouse! They exchange laughs over dying beasts' screams, I've heard them! They tell stories of how they murder and butcher innocents as training exercises!"
Yardo's face blanched with horror and anger, Davrag paused and lowered his eyes and voice, "You must believe me...I desire to slay them before I end my own life."
It worked like a charm. Mikel relaxed his bow and Yardo reached a paw to help Davrag up. The stoat considered attacking immediately but he was unsure of how many others were hiding in the forest or village and he didn't want to give the other a shot at his open back.
Yardo nodded, "Aye...we'll make them pay!"
Davrag couldn't believe his good fortune or the simplicity of these idiots but he didn't question it currently. Davrag nodded, "My name is Davrag Joris," No harm in revealing his true name to these yokels.
Mikel nodded, "You walk in front, Davrag...no offense."
"None taken, I'd do the same thing in your place. All I wish is you allow me my vengeance when the time comes..."
"Aye, we promise." Mikel replied, stifling a yawn."
Wonderful. Just wonderful. In front, he would be caught between them and his own troops, which probably would cause a loss of trust on either side. Davrag sensed the two didn't believe his story as they professed as well.
After an hour's walk, the forest began giving out, to Davrag's suspicions, knowing this wasn't the way he had come originally. Davrag's eyes flicked through the trees, spotting several forms as he growled to Yardo, "What do we do about whoever's in this place?"
"We have no quarrel with them." The young mouse replied, a slight tinge of nervousness in his voice.
Davrag stopped walking, "We could try to avoid them but they may think us criminals or cowards and come after us if we do, Yardo."
The young mouse paused, "Just a moment! Let me think!"
"Not much time for that right now, lad." Mikel replied, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"If we head out now," Davrag continued, "we might stand a chance of escaping from them."
"A moment ago, you almost seemed in favor of facing them," A confused Mikel replied, looking the dark stoat in the eyes.
"Well, yes, but there are other things to take into-"
"Quiet!" Yardo snapped irritably, "I can't hear myself think!"
Poor kid; was a sniggering thought in Davrag's mind. He was young. That was absolutely certain, too young for this job.
Good, Davrag thought. This may be the key to staying alive much longer with these yokels. "Aye," He replied to Yardo condescendingly, "That's a problem in these situations. You need a clear head to judge them properly! If I may be so bold-"
"You already have been, stoat! Now shut up, you're making my head swim," Yardo barked.
"Am I," The stoat replied, almost meekly, "Not my intention, I assure you..." Davrag turned away and did as he was told.
In a short time, the figures had come closer, apparently having spotted the little trio. The mice were tense and nervous enough, Davrag's eyes narrowed as his sharp eyes recognized a symbol on the leader's tunic.
"Vandashira..." He whispered, recognizing the symbol of her agents, "Maybe just a wandering band. All that should concern us now is staying alive."
It also occurred to Davrag these agents were the ones raiding Mikel and Yardo's village.
A weasel, obvious head of the band, stopped about fifty feet from the trio, "I am Tazak, leader of this group! These are my soldiers- Ren, Cordin, Exles, Perdis and Silter."
Each of the black garbed figures nodded as his name was called. Silter, the only female of the group cast a small look Davrag's way that made the stoat smirk slightly.
Tazak crossed his arms and there was a very uneasy silence.
Davrag nudged Yardo, "You're supposed to respond. And I should NOT be out in front, it makes it look like I'm in charge!"
Yardo walked past Davrag nervously, nodding, "I'm Yardo...a guard of the village up north. With me are Mikel and....Davrag." Too lengthy a pause, you idiot, Davrag thought.
The group wore most sinister grins and Davrag was left no doubt to who was raiding the mice's village. Tazak cast a look around the forest and a low rumble of laughter spread as he grinned "Long way from home, guard."
Mikel took a step forward, "We only wish to head off...will you let us be on our way?"
"I didn't know you needed our permission, mouse." Tazak replied, spreading his arms with a flourish.
Davrag swore to himself. It was very clear Vanda's beasts had no intention of letting them go and decided to make the best of the confusion.
The trio moved close to together and slowly walked towards Vanda's agents.
The company came close to one another. Exles, a wild eyed rat spat on the ground by Mikel, "I'd spit'n you, mouse, but it'd be a waste'a liquid!"
Mikel stiffened, "Stinkin' vermin..."
Tazak halted suddenly. "What was that?!" He screamed suddenly.
"He called your rat a filthy vermin," Yardo said flatly and reached for a sword at his side. The agents went for their weapons as well. Davrag considered the position.
The mice flanked him...but they were surrounded by Tazak's beasts. Exles grinned and hefted a broadsword, "Should I, Tazak?"
The dark furred weasel cast a cold gaze over the trio, "Kill 'em all," He hissed flatly.
Fingers digging into the hilts of his swords, Davrag readied himself.
"You're dead beasts!" Exles screamed, darting forward, "Dead!"
Yardo made a move forward but the ferret Cordin struck him in the face. Yardo stumbled back, eyes burning with hatred.
Silter, the female stoat produced a crossbow and leveled it at Mikel's face. She bit one side of her lips as she smiled and prepared to kill the mouse.
Exles darted forward suddenly pasted Mikel and cut him across the arm. Cordin and Perdis flanked Davrag and Yardo. The short battle was over.
"Wait!" Ren growled, the lanky stoat walking over, "Where's the fun if we merely slaughter 'em? Give 'em a chance and THEN slaughter 'em! Whaddya say, Tazak?"
"No objections," The dark furred weasel said with a wolfish grin, "What do you propose, Ren?"
The stoat pointed to Mikel, "C'mere, mouse."
Mikel didn't move. Ren nodded to Silter who still had her crossbow trained on the mouse, "If I tell her to wound you it'll take days for you to die. I'm offering you a chance to live."
Yardo nodded, "Go, Mikel...hear what they have to say..."
The mouse nodded and walked forward to Ren, Tazak's gaze, however was drawn to Davrag who looked ready to bolt away. "You, stoat! You looked like you were just gonna race off instead of fight! Looked like you were just gonna save yer skin, right?"
"Of course," Davrag said evenly.
"By Vanda's black heart!" Perdis laughed, "A beast after me own heart! P'raps we c'n 'ave some fun wit' dis one, Tazak!"
"No sport!" Exles growled, running a paw through his fur, "Do you know what we do to beasts fer sport, stoat?"
"I know a good deal about your group, rat." Davrag replied, not missing the spark of madness in Exles's eyes, "I am Davrag Joris and I work with them."
Both the mice and Tazak screamed, "What?!" at the same time. Davrag grinned grimly and nodded slowly, "I am an agent of Vanda's network, sent to infiltrate the Academy to check on her mate Tarl Argith. They held me prisoner and would be happy to see you kill me!"
"Prove it!" Ren growled, "Tell us somethin' only our agents'd know!"
Davrag shrugged. "What I can tell you depends on your level of clearance for convert matters," He lied glibly, "Not the threats you hold over me."
Mikel cursed and shook his head, Yardo was not so calm about the revelation. "You filthy bastard," He screamed, and before anybeast could stop him he sprang at Davrag, "You were a spy all along."
Davrag caught him with a fist in the gut, knocking him to the ground with a grin, Perdis walked over and placed a footpaw on Yardo's chest.
Davrag withheld a smile. This was perfect! Yardo's attack could only help his story in the end. Davrag knew this was a far cry from getting his throat slit.
Tazak strode towards Yardo, "He was your prisoner?"
"Why would I have been prodded in front?" Davrag replied quickly. He rubbed his neck, making Yardo's attack look more serious then it was.
"Shut up," Tazak hissed, "Nobeast asked for your input. Tell me, mouse...is it true."
Yardo hung his head, "I should have killed him when I had the chance," He hissed bitterly.
Davrag couldn't restrain a grin, "Yeah, that's probably true."
Tazak nodded to Davrag, his eyes narrowing, "If you're one o' us you won't object to a test...but why were they keeping you prisoner"
Yardo's eyes narrowed, "He was helping a group of Academy soldiers and was leading us to them! He was planning to sack our village too!"
Davrag wanted to scream in exultation. Every word from this idiot mouse proved his story even more with every word he spoke!
"So, yer from the Academy and lead their soldiers," Ren hissed, "Not a bright move..."
"They're completely loyal," Davrag replied. "And useful. If I go with you, they should go along too. They'll be a large help to us."
Tazak looked to Silter, who shrugged, lowering her crossbow. Tazak smirked again, "We're 'eading to Kolma, to Shadows Keep where our mistress dwells...she'll prove your story there, Davrag."
Davrag was relieved and horrified all at once. He was alive for now but being taken to Vanda who would undoubtedly kill him unless he killed her first. His musings were interrupted by the ferret Cordin stepping forward, "Let them fight to the death, Tazak. We let the winner go!"
"Good plan, Cordin. After all, one of our beasts should have no problem dealing with these sorry dogs. What say you, Davrag?"
The stoat nodded instantly. If the mice died to preserve his life, so be it. Worthy sacrifice, he thought to himself. "I'll get it over with quickly."
Exles snarled, "If he was lyin' he'll die anyways! The Living Darkness will protect him if he's loyal."
The others nodded in agreement and Tazak nodded, "Settled then. I urge you to play this out, stoat. I won't elt you get hurt...remember that in your report."
Davrag nodded, "Get back and give us room."
The agents formed a circle around the three, Mikel looked between Yardo and Davrag, his voice quivering with slight fear, "Yardo, they'll just kill the survivor...we need to fight him, not eachother!"
Davrag drew one of his swords. "I'm waiting..."
Silter laughed, "Yeah, come fight us!"
Yardo's face hardened, "I won't fight Mikel...not if you kill me for it!"
"Fine, fine...both of you versus Davrag, you win, we let you both go," Tazak muttered irritably, "Just fight..."
Davrag lunged forward as Mikel raised his bow, swing his sword with deadly precision. The bow snapped in half with a crack. With a swift motion, Davrag grabbed one half of the sharp wooden fragments and jammed it up on the underside of Mikel's jaw, spinning away as the mouse collapsed.
"You killed him!" yardo cried, in sudden shock.
Davrag shrugged, "Yeah, that was the point. I don't expect you to put up a better fight either, kid."
Yardo moved forward, sword gripped tightly, "Hold still and I'll show you a fight!"
Laughter erupted from the agents, Silter grinned, "Aye, Dav! Hold still so the mousey c'n relieve ya of yer head!"
Tazak folded his arms, "Aye, stoat! Give us a taste o' blood! Wound him before ya kill him!"
The stoat forced a grin, "That'd be just too easy!" He growled, thinking he should end this fast lest the agents get bored.
Yardon swung wildly at the stoat, "I'll kill you! He screamed, sweat pouring down his face.
Davrag dodged the clumsy attack and kicked Yardo in the gut, "This IS boring, isn't it? How about this: I'll let you run and have fifty yards before I take a step for you."
Yardo looked up, disbelief in his eyes.
"Make it a hundred, Davrag!" Ren cried.
Davrag bowed to the lanky stoat, "Aye, a hundred it is! Go on, Yardo, run. Go back to your village. Maybe I won't catch you before you make it. Go on and warn them of me...and my friends who will be going to burn it to the ground."
The agents laughed heartily again as Yardo's eyes radiated anger, "Damn you! I'd kill you and all of these monsters if I could!"
"I have no doubt of that. Now, run...two hundred yards, my final offer." When the mouse didn't move, Davrag narrowed his eyes, "Run, damn you! This is your one chance. I won't take a step towards you for two hundred yards!"
This was Davrag's one chance to prove he was like them-a brutal, bloodthirsty agent, which wasn't particularly difficult actually.
Yardo breathed slightly, "They will."
"Mates! Honor my pledge! All of you stay where you are: On Vanda's heart!"
They all nodded, Tazak grinned, "Done."
Davrag grinned, "Go now!"
A grimace of hatred crossed Yardo's face and he turned to run. Davrag removed a dagger from his belt, stepping to the opening of the circle. Yardo got less then twenty paces before Davrag's dagger found its way in the base of his spine at his back. Yardo collapsed, still alive.
Davrag nodded to the stunned agents. "c'mon, he's not dead yet. Tazak, how many others are in your company?"
Tazak shook off his shock and smirked, "nearly two hundred, more'n enough to take out his village with your group We were sent to support the Academy but that's obviously no longer an issue..."
Davrag nodded and strode to Yardo's form. The young mouse moaned in pain, looking at Davrag through fear filled eyes, "Y-you swore...You promised!"
"I kept my word." Davrag replied coolly. "I didn't take a single step towards you. My blade did the work." He nodded to Tazak, "Let's go, he's not leaving here..."
Tazak folded his arms, "He may still escape."
Perdis nodded, "Ye ain't no agent if ye leave a-"
Davrag growled in frustration, realizing only one course open to him. He'd do what he had to. "Give me another dagger..."
Ren pulled a dagger from his belt and tossed it to Davrag, the stoat catching it with ease and turning back to Yardo, narrowing his eyes at the young mouse's terrified gaze, shoving him onto his face, "You'd do the same to me..." He hissed, and slashed the tendons on the back of Yardo's ankles.
He rose, flinging the dagger to the ground, feeling a part of his soul die within him, what little he had left, "Now he isn't going anywhere...let's get back to my beasts and to that village!"
There was another round of laughter as Silter walked to Davrag and slipped her arm around him. Davrag had no objections; she was rather attractive.
"Welcome te the group, Davrag!" Exles yelled, the wild eyed rat's laughter nearly drowning out the screams of the dying mouse.
"Fine," He growled at his soldiers, maintaining an air of command and gruff anger that would befit an Academy master, "We'll rest here for a bit. How fares Terrlin?"
Yarel, the rat who Davrag had adopted as his second in command strode forward. Taller then Davrag by over a head and built like a badger, Yarel's thick fur was braided to keep out of his way during fighting and to Davrag's knowledge and estimation, the large rat's chainmail must have weighed thirty pounds but Yarel removed it only to sleep and only when he felt he was perfectly secure.
Their flight had lasted several days with little rest and little time to eat or drink whatsoever and Davrag's soldier's accepted the rest gratefully. Davrag himself sat at the edge of the forest, removing a canteen from their supplies and taking a drink to wet his parched mouth and throat as Yarel strode up to him. Davrag found himself honestly liking the rat. He was capable, if not exemplary as a lieutenant and knew his place quite well.
"Both of 'is legs are broken, sir." Yarel replied with a ghost of a smirk, not a single one of the Academy soldiers were extremely fond of Vandashira's pet ferret and Yarel was no exception, "He fell down the hill we passed. We were all for leaving him but his cronies wanted to take him along."
An agonized howl split the night and Davrag flinched, "I take it that's the idiot?"
Yarel nodded, "Aye, sir. He's been on like that for some time now. Doesn't seem tow ant to shut up."
As if on cue, another scream of anguish pierced the night. Davrag flinched once more. "If those Academy traitors are looking for us, they'll hear us a mile away!" The stoat took a large bite out of a piece of dried fruit, chewing slowly and methodically, "I'll go ahead and see if there's anything in the forest, Yarel."
Yarel frowned slightly, thinking hard to Davrag's pleasure. Yarel's mind was much quicker then his large, brutish figure implied and Davrag had absolutely no intention of abandoning or eliminating the capable rat even when the job was over. He and his Academy soldiers would make valuable assets to the Five.
"Alone, sir," Yarel replied, "Don't you want an escort to go with you?"
Davrag shook his head, his amber eyes glinting, "No, Yarel. I'd move faster alone and be able to cover more ground. Besides, it's my responsibility to take care of this mess. You're in command until I get back, Yarel."
Yarel grinned, "That's why you're the general, sir. What about Terrlin though?"
An expression of distaste crossed Davrag's features, "He can't walk...he'd only slow us down if he did. Cover his mouth."
Yarel frowned, not liking the idea of murder. Davrag growled and drew his sword. "Do it."
Yarel walked over to the wounded ferret and shooed away the beasts nearby. Terrlin's eyes widened as he saw the large rat and his howls were muffled as Yarel pressed a paw over his mouth. He managed to bite as Davrag's sword pierced his heart.
His deed done, Davrag rose, "Bury him." The stoat replied, "Take nothing from any others who may oppose you. You're in charge while I'm gone, Yarel." He cleaned his sword and sheathed it.
Yarel nodded again, saluting as he placed a paw on the hilt of his claymore.
Davrag gave his lieutenant a fond smile and rose, "Make sure the soldiers get sleep and rest, but post a watch....I'll be back soon."
He removed his black cloak and turned and moved into the forest swiftly, moving swiftly as possible through the trees like the best of squirrels, his face set firmly in concentration. He was searching for one thing: a place of woodlanders his soldiers could raid for both sport and supplies. An occupational hazard of leading soldiers and killers was one had to provide them with entertainment and excitement or they would be pressed to the point of mutiny. After years of watching the leadership of CT, Davrag knew this to be true, even more so after his leadership of the Five. Hallic had to be provided with entertainment almost daily lest he gain any ideas-using the term loosely, of course-concerning his trident and his rival.
Davrag sprang down from the trees, quite a few hours away from his soldiers, he noted as he landed in a crouch at the edge of the forest, grinning suddenly.
A village...He had actually found a village! Lady Luck was with him this day, he thought excitedly as he instinctively reached to pull his cloak around his concealed twin swords and swore as he realized he had left his cloak back with Yarel and the others. Simple poor luck.
Davrag smirked again as he recalled Jald Nightson, feeling no remorse over his actions back at the Academy. Jald was most certainly dead at this time and it would be Davrag who claimed the credit there!
Making his way around the village perimeter, Davrag tried to get a hint of the place's defenses and layout as he had done with the Academy. This place was no Academy and was pitifully undefended. Well, that would just make the 'entertainment' part easier for his troops.
Davrag turned to the village entrance and found himself staring into the eyes of a mouse.
The mouse was obviously a guard by his armor and weapon, Davrag noted as the mouse seized his arm and hurled him to the ground, catching the black stoat off guard, "Seems there's some justice after all, Mikel! I found one of the scum that's been raidin' us!"
Great, there was more then one of them and by the nocking of an arrow, Davrag knew to make a false move was to die. He had never tested his speed against an arrow and he didn't care to make this his test.
"Wait! You're making a mistake!" The stoat gasped suddenly, the mouse with the halberd's eyes narrowed and Davrag could see he was young, very young for a fighter.
"And why is that?" He hissed angrily as the other mouse, an older one obviously pulled his arrow back.
"Kill him, Yardo! We can at least finish off one of those butchers before the others come back!" He took a step forward, sighting Davrag as he did so.
"At least let's listen to this killer's fantasies, Mikel!" The one named Yardo replies, his halberd point at Davrag's neck, the stoat having acquiesced submission to his captors.
"No fantasy!" Davrag replied, his fertile mind working quickly, "I'm alone, a runaway from the Academy by Meridian! It was under my command that High Master Tarl Argith died and I killed the head guard there too! Surely you'll hear of that eventually!"
This gave them pause, Davrag breathed a prayer to Vulpuz under his breath, which was dispelled as Mikel growled, "Maybe you wanted Argith's position, stoat! I understand assassination is the way to advance your career in the Academy!"
Davrag swallowed again, looking into the faces of both his captors, more concerned with his own hide then hating them.
"Wait, Mikel," Yardo replied, slowly removing his halberd, "What he said may have some ring of truth...some of our villagers noticed a contingent of soldiers a few days back. It's possible they may be looking for this one."
Davrag was hard pressed to keep a large grin off his face as a spark of hope found its way into his heart, "That must be it!" He replied fervently, "I'm as innocent as either of you!"
Mikel looked to his companion, "You think it's possible he is telling the truth, Yardo?"
Yardon looked to Davrag and to his fellow guard and nodded, "Academy soldiers don't practice much subtlety, Mikel. If he was one of them planning to attack, he'd have been on us."
"He could be one of the other band..."
"They don't wear Academy tunics."
Mikel nodded, the older mouse looking at Davrag slowly. The stoat sealed the mouse's growing doubts to his guilt, "I want the blood of the Academy or any bandit as badly as you, mouse! They exchange laughs over dying beasts' screams, I've heard them! They tell stories of how they murder and butcher innocents as training exercises!"
Yardo's face blanched with horror and anger, Davrag paused and lowered his eyes and voice, "You must believe me...I desire to slay them before I end my own life."
It worked like a charm. Mikel relaxed his bow and Yardo reached a paw to help Davrag up. The stoat considered attacking immediately but he was unsure of how many others were hiding in the forest or village and he didn't want to give the other a shot at his open back.
Yardo nodded, "Aye...we'll make them pay!"
Davrag couldn't believe his good fortune or the simplicity of these idiots but he didn't question it currently. Davrag nodded, "My name is Davrag Joris," No harm in revealing his true name to these yokels.
Mikel nodded, "You walk in front, Davrag...no offense."
"None taken, I'd do the same thing in your place. All I wish is you allow me my vengeance when the time comes..."
"Aye, we promise." Mikel replied, stifling a yawn."
Wonderful. Just wonderful. In front, he would be caught between them and his own troops, which probably would cause a loss of trust on either side. Davrag sensed the two didn't believe his story as they professed as well.
After an hour's walk, the forest began giving out, to Davrag's suspicions, knowing this wasn't the way he had come originally. Davrag's eyes flicked through the trees, spotting several forms as he growled to Yardo, "What do we do about whoever's in this place?"
"We have no quarrel with them." The young mouse replied, a slight tinge of nervousness in his voice.
Davrag stopped walking, "We could try to avoid them but they may think us criminals or cowards and come after us if we do, Yardo."
The young mouse paused, "Just a moment! Let me think!"
"Not much time for that right now, lad." Mikel replied, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"If we head out now," Davrag continued, "we might stand a chance of escaping from them."
"A moment ago, you almost seemed in favor of facing them," A confused Mikel replied, looking the dark stoat in the eyes.
"Well, yes, but there are other things to take into-"
"Quiet!" Yardo snapped irritably, "I can't hear myself think!"
Poor kid; was a sniggering thought in Davrag's mind. He was young. That was absolutely certain, too young for this job.
Good, Davrag thought. This may be the key to staying alive much longer with these yokels. "Aye," He replied to Yardo condescendingly, "That's a problem in these situations. You need a clear head to judge them properly! If I may be so bold-"
"You already have been, stoat! Now shut up, you're making my head swim," Yardo barked.
"Am I," The stoat replied, almost meekly, "Not my intention, I assure you..." Davrag turned away and did as he was told.
In a short time, the figures had come closer, apparently having spotted the little trio. The mice were tense and nervous enough, Davrag's eyes narrowed as his sharp eyes recognized a symbol on the leader's tunic.
"Vandashira..." He whispered, recognizing the symbol of her agents, "Maybe just a wandering band. All that should concern us now is staying alive."
It also occurred to Davrag these agents were the ones raiding Mikel and Yardo's village.
A weasel, obvious head of the band, stopped about fifty feet from the trio, "I am Tazak, leader of this group! These are my soldiers- Ren, Cordin, Exles, Perdis and Silter."
Each of the black garbed figures nodded as his name was called. Silter, the only female of the group cast a small look Davrag's way that made the stoat smirk slightly.
Tazak crossed his arms and there was a very uneasy silence.
Davrag nudged Yardo, "You're supposed to respond. And I should NOT be out in front, it makes it look like I'm in charge!"
Yardo walked past Davrag nervously, nodding, "I'm Yardo...a guard of the village up north. With me are Mikel and....Davrag." Too lengthy a pause, you idiot, Davrag thought.
The group wore most sinister grins and Davrag was left no doubt to who was raiding the mice's village. Tazak cast a look around the forest and a low rumble of laughter spread as he grinned "Long way from home, guard."
Mikel took a step forward, "We only wish to head off...will you let us be on our way?"
"I didn't know you needed our permission, mouse." Tazak replied, spreading his arms with a flourish.
Davrag swore to himself. It was very clear Vanda's beasts had no intention of letting them go and decided to make the best of the confusion.
The trio moved close to together and slowly walked towards Vanda's agents.
The company came close to one another. Exles, a wild eyed rat spat on the ground by Mikel, "I'd spit'n you, mouse, but it'd be a waste'a liquid!"
Mikel stiffened, "Stinkin' vermin..."
Tazak halted suddenly. "What was that?!" He screamed suddenly.
"He called your rat a filthy vermin," Yardo said flatly and reached for a sword at his side. The agents went for their weapons as well. Davrag considered the position.
The mice flanked him...but they were surrounded by Tazak's beasts. Exles grinned and hefted a broadsword, "Should I, Tazak?"
The dark furred weasel cast a cold gaze over the trio, "Kill 'em all," He hissed flatly.
Fingers digging into the hilts of his swords, Davrag readied himself.
"You're dead beasts!" Exles screamed, darting forward, "Dead!"
Yardo made a move forward but the ferret Cordin struck him in the face. Yardo stumbled back, eyes burning with hatred.
Silter, the female stoat produced a crossbow and leveled it at Mikel's face. She bit one side of her lips as she smiled and prepared to kill the mouse.
Exles darted forward suddenly pasted Mikel and cut him across the arm. Cordin and Perdis flanked Davrag and Yardo. The short battle was over.
"Wait!" Ren growled, the lanky stoat walking over, "Where's the fun if we merely slaughter 'em? Give 'em a chance and THEN slaughter 'em! Whaddya say, Tazak?"
"No objections," The dark furred weasel said with a wolfish grin, "What do you propose, Ren?"
The stoat pointed to Mikel, "C'mere, mouse."
Mikel didn't move. Ren nodded to Silter who still had her crossbow trained on the mouse, "If I tell her to wound you it'll take days for you to die. I'm offering you a chance to live."
Yardo nodded, "Go, Mikel...hear what they have to say..."
The mouse nodded and walked forward to Ren, Tazak's gaze, however was drawn to Davrag who looked ready to bolt away. "You, stoat! You looked like you were just gonna race off instead of fight! Looked like you were just gonna save yer skin, right?"
"Of course," Davrag said evenly.
"By Vanda's black heart!" Perdis laughed, "A beast after me own heart! P'raps we c'n 'ave some fun wit' dis one, Tazak!"
"No sport!" Exles growled, running a paw through his fur, "Do you know what we do to beasts fer sport, stoat?"
"I know a good deal about your group, rat." Davrag replied, not missing the spark of madness in Exles's eyes, "I am Davrag Joris and I work with them."
Both the mice and Tazak screamed, "What?!" at the same time. Davrag grinned grimly and nodded slowly, "I am an agent of Vanda's network, sent to infiltrate the Academy to check on her mate Tarl Argith. They held me prisoner and would be happy to see you kill me!"
"Prove it!" Ren growled, "Tell us somethin' only our agents'd know!"
Davrag shrugged. "What I can tell you depends on your level of clearance for convert matters," He lied glibly, "Not the threats you hold over me."
Mikel cursed and shook his head, Yardo was not so calm about the revelation. "You filthy bastard," He screamed, and before anybeast could stop him he sprang at Davrag, "You were a spy all along."
Davrag caught him with a fist in the gut, knocking him to the ground with a grin, Perdis walked over and placed a footpaw on Yardo's chest.
Davrag withheld a smile. This was perfect! Yardo's attack could only help his story in the end. Davrag knew this was a far cry from getting his throat slit.
Tazak strode towards Yardo, "He was your prisoner?"
"Why would I have been prodded in front?" Davrag replied quickly. He rubbed his neck, making Yardo's attack look more serious then it was.
"Shut up," Tazak hissed, "Nobeast asked for your input. Tell me, mouse...is it true."
Yardo hung his head, "I should have killed him when I had the chance," He hissed bitterly.
Davrag couldn't restrain a grin, "Yeah, that's probably true."
Tazak nodded to Davrag, his eyes narrowing, "If you're one o' us you won't object to a test...but why were they keeping you prisoner"
Yardo's eyes narrowed, "He was helping a group of Academy soldiers and was leading us to them! He was planning to sack our village too!"
Davrag wanted to scream in exultation. Every word from this idiot mouse proved his story even more with every word he spoke!
"So, yer from the Academy and lead their soldiers," Ren hissed, "Not a bright move..."
"They're completely loyal," Davrag replied. "And useful. If I go with you, they should go along too. They'll be a large help to us."
Tazak looked to Silter, who shrugged, lowering her crossbow. Tazak smirked again, "We're 'eading to Kolma, to Shadows Keep where our mistress dwells...she'll prove your story there, Davrag."
Davrag was relieved and horrified all at once. He was alive for now but being taken to Vanda who would undoubtedly kill him unless he killed her first. His musings were interrupted by the ferret Cordin stepping forward, "Let them fight to the death, Tazak. We let the winner go!"
"Good plan, Cordin. After all, one of our beasts should have no problem dealing with these sorry dogs. What say you, Davrag?"
The stoat nodded instantly. If the mice died to preserve his life, so be it. Worthy sacrifice, he thought to himself. "I'll get it over with quickly."
Exles snarled, "If he was lyin' he'll die anyways! The Living Darkness will protect him if he's loyal."
The others nodded in agreement and Tazak nodded, "Settled then. I urge you to play this out, stoat. I won't elt you get hurt...remember that in your report."
Davrag nodded, "Get back and give us room."
The agents formed a circle around the three, Mikel looked between Yardo and Davrag, his voice quivering with slight fear, "Yardo, they'll just kill the survivor...we need to fight him, not eachother!"
Davrag drew one of his swords. "I'm waiting..."
Silter laughed, "Yeah, come fight us!"
Yardo's face hardened, "I won't fight Mikel...not if you kill me for it!"
"Fine, fine...both of you versus Davrag, you win, we let you both go," Tazak muttered irritably, "Just fight..."
Davrag lunged forward as Mikel raised his bow, swing his sword with deadly precision. The bow snapped in half with a crack. With a swift motion, Davrag grabbed one half of the sharp wooden fragments and jammed it up on the underside of Mikel's jaw, spinning away as the mouse collapsed.
"You killed him!" yardo cried, in sudden shock.
Davrag shrugged, "Yeah, that was the point. I don't expect you to put up a better fight either, kid."
Yardo moved forward, sword gripped tightly, "Hold still and I'll show you a fight!"
Laughter erupted from the agents, Silter grinned, "Aye, Dav! Hold still so the mousey c'n relieve ya of yer head!"
Tazak folded his arms, "Aye, stoat! Give us a taste o' blood! Wound him before ya kill him!"
The stoat forced a grin, "That'd be just too easy!" He growled, thinking he should end this fast lest the agents get bored.
Yardon swung wildly at the stoat, "I'll kill you! He screamed, sweat pouring down his face.
Davrag dodged the clumsy attack and kicked Yardo in the gut, "This IS boring, isn't it? How about this: I'll let you run and have fifty yards before I take a step for you."
Yardo looked up, disbelief in his eyes.
"Make it a hundred, Davrag!" Ren cried.
Davrag bowed to the lanky stoat, "Aye, a hundred it is! Go on, Yardo, run. Go back to your village. Maybe I won't catch you before you make it. Go on and warn them of me...and my friends who will be going to burn it to the ground."
The agents laughed heartily again as Yardo's eyes radiated anger, "Damn you! I'd kill you and all of these monsters if I could!"
"I have no doubt of that. Now, run...two hundred yards, my final offer." When the mouse didn't move, Davrag narrowed his eyes, "Run, damn you! This is your one chance. I won't take a step towards you for two hundred yards!"
This was Davrag's one chance to prove he was like them-a brutal, bloodthirsty agent, which wasn't particularly difficult actually.
Yardo breathed slightly, "They will."
"Mates! Honor my pledge! All of you stay where you are: On Vanda's heart!"
They all nodded, Tazak grinned, "Done."
Davrag grinned, "Go now!"
A grimace of hatred crossed Yardo's face and he turned to run. Davrag removed a dagger from his belt, stepping to the opening of the circle. Yardo got less then twenty paces before Davrag's dagger found its way in the base of his spine at his back. Yardo collapsed, still alive.
Davrag nodded to the stunned agents. "c'mon, he's not dead yet. Tazak, how many others are in your company?"
Tazak shook off his shock and smirked, "nearly two hundred, more'n enough to take out his village with your group We were sent to support the Academy but that's obviously no longer an issue..."
Davrag nodded and strode to Yardo's form. The young mouse moaned in pain, looking at Davrag through fear filled eyes, "Y-you swore...You promised!"
"I kept my word." Davrag replied coolly. "I didn't take a single step towards you. My blade did the work." He nodded to Tazak, "Let's go, he's not leaving here..."
Tazak folded his arms, "He may still escape."
Perdis nodded, "Ye ain't no agent if ye leave a-"
Davrag growled in frustration, realizing only one course open to him. He'd do what he had to. "Give me another dagger..."
Ren pulled a dagger from his belt and tossed it to Davrag, the stoat catching it with ease and turning back to Yardo, narrowing his eyes at the young mouse's terrified gaze, shoving him onto his face, "You'd do the same to me..." He hissed, and slashed the tendons on the back of Yardo's ankles.
He rose, flinging the dagger to the ground, feeling a part of his soul die within him, what little he had left, "Now he isn't going anywhere...let's get back to my beasts and to that village!"
There was another round of laughter as Silter walked to Davrag and slipped her arm around him. Davrag had no objections; she was rather attractive.
"Welcome te the group, Davrag!" Exles yelled, the wild eyed rat's laughter nearly drowning out the screams of the dying mouse.